Kash Patel Sues The Atlantic, Promising Cancer Treatment, Becerra Surges in CA Race: AM Update 4/21

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update (April 21, 2026):

Kash Patel Sues The Atlantic, Promising Cancer Treatment, Becerra Surges in CA Race

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Episode Overview

Megyn Kelly delivers the day’s major headlines and analysis, focusing on three main stories:

1. FBI Director Kash Patel’s defamation suit against The Atlantic after a controversial article,
2. Early hopeful results from a new mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer,
3. Turmoil and shifting dynamics in California’s governor’s race after Eric Swalwell’s exit.

With a tone aimed at candor, skepticism toward mainstream media, and a touch of acerbic humor, Kelly dissects these evolving stories, sharing quotes from key players and providing political and legal context.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran Peace Negotiation Tensions & Religious Backlash (00:32-06:45)

• Iran Negotiations on Verge of Collapse:

  • The U.S.-brokered ceasefire (backed by President Trump, with VP J.D. Vance leading talks) teeters as Iran’s chief negotiator rejects talks under present conditions, citing U.S. military pressure in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Trump warns, “lots of bombs will start going off” if a deal isn’t reached. (02:05)
  • Transport through the Strait at a standstill; U.S. military blockades squeeze Iranian responses.

• Israeli Soldier Incident in Lebanon:

  • An IDF soldier photographed smashing a statue of Jesus in a Christian village in Lebanon has sparked international and ecumenical outrage.
  • Netanyahu:

    “I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe… will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action…” (05:10)

  • Cardinal Pizzaballa calls it “a grave affront to the Christian faith,” after recent friction with Israeli authorities.

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2. Kash Patel vs. The Atlantic: Defamation Lawsuit (06:45-08:56)

• Atlantic Article Allegations:
  • The Atlantic publishes a report with numerous anonymous sources, alleging FBI Director Kash Patel’s “erratic behavior,” including visible intoxication and being unreachable behind locked doors.
  • The article’s headline was quietly changed after publication, from “Patel’s erratic behavior could cost him his job” to “The FBI director is MIA,” with no explanation or correction. (08:53)
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt issues support:

    “Director Patel remains a critical player on the administration’s law and order team.”

• Patel’s Response:
  • On Fox News and with Megyn Kelly, Patel denounces the accusations and outlines FBI achievements:

    “If the fake news mafia isn’t hitting you personally with baseless information in Washington, D.C. then you’re not doing your job… A 24% reduction in homicide rate, a 20 point drop in opioid overdose deaths…” (08:00) “Yes, yes, I will. For defamation. And because… We have to fight back against the fake news… They’re never going to stop me from completing the mission.” (08:35)

  • The $250 million lawsuit alleges actual malice and a “long-running editorial animus.” (08:53)
  • The Atlantic vows to “vigorously defend” its reporting.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Kash Patel (on Fox News):

    “This FBI has the most prolific year in crime reduction in the United States history… 6,300 kids get to go home to their kids. That’s a 30% increase…” (08:08)

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3. Medical Breakthrough: mRNA Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine (12:40-13:43)

• Early Trial Results:
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering tests a personalized mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer, showing “very promising results” in a small phase one trial (16 patients).
    • 8 responded to the vaccine, only 2 had a recurrence.
    • Dr. Vinod Balachandran:

      “Even at six years, you can find the immune cells made by the vaccine circulating in her blood at very high levels.” (13:01, attributed by Kelly)

    • Kash Patel adds:

      “Pancreatic cancer is the toughest, so our hope is if we can crack the toughest, hopefully we can learn how to crack the rest.” (13:10)

  • Experts caution results are preliminary, phase 2 underway (Genentech/BioNTech backing).

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4. California Governor Race Shakeup: Post-Swalwell Polls (13:45-16:23)

• Eric Swalwell Drops Out:
  • Amid misconduct allegations, the former top-three polling Democrat is out—leaving room for a “dark horse.” (13:19)
• Javier Becerra Surges:
  • Recent polls show Biden’s ex-HHS Secretary up 8-11 points after Swalwell’s exit. He’s rivaling billionaire Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton for the top spots.
    • Steve Hilton leads with 20%.
    • Becerra & Steyer at 15%; Bianco at 14%; Porter in the middle of the top tier.
    • Becerra:

      “I think folks feel very deceived and voters want to see someone they can trust… And I think if I have something, it’s experience.” (15:35)

  • Tom Steyer vastly outspends rivals with over $115M in ads.
• Katie Porter’s Controversy:
  • Porter argues, “this is a time for women to lead,” but faces renewed scrutiny over a past divorce dispute involving “scalding hot mashed potatoes.” Kelly quips, “More like moms beating than leading.” (16:23)
• Debate & Timeline:
  • Candidate debate focused on the economy, safety, and housing set for April 22nd.
  • Early voting starts May 5th, primary is June 2nd.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Patel’s Lawsuit and the Media:
  • Kash Patel:

    “If the fake news mafia isn’t hitting you personally with baseless information … then you’re not doing your job.” (08:00)

• On Cancer Vaccine Hope:
  • Dr. Balachandran:

    “Even at six years, you can find the immune cells made by the vaccine circulating in her blood at very high levels.” (13:01)

• On Politics and Trust:
  • Javier Becerra:

    “I believe voters are looking for someone that they can trust. And I believe one thing that makes them have that trust is experience.” (15:35)

• Kelly’s Characteristic Zingers:
  • On Porter:

    “More like moms beating than leading.” (16:23)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Iran Negotiations / IDF Incident – 00:32–06:45
• Kash Patel Lawsuit Explained – 06:45–08:56
• Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough – 12:40–13:43
• California Governor's Race Developments – 13:45–16:23

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Tone and Takeaways

Megyn Kelly’s style brings skepticism, punchy humor, and clarity. The episode provides:

• A breakdown of legal drama at the FBI’s top,
• Optimism about advances in cancer therapy,
• Analysis of political shifts in nation-leading California,
• And an underpinning critique of political and media establishments.

Recommended for listeners seeking direct, opinionated updates on high-impact political, legal, and health news.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and this is your AM update. Iran negotiations on the verge of collapse as the ceasefire deadline approaches, while Israel reacts to one of its soldiers seen smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon.

[Kash Patel]

Yes, I will. For defamation. And because you know what, Maria? We have to fight back against the

[Megyn Kelly]

fake news FBI Director Kash Patel filing a $250 million defamation against the Atlantic over allegations of drinking and erratic behavior.

[Kash Patel]

Pancreatic cancer is the toughest, so our hope is if we can crack the toughest, hopefully we can learn how to crack the rest.

[Megyn Kelly]

An experimental MRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer delivering early signs of progress in a small trial. And California's governor race shaken up after disgraced former Congressman Eric Swalwell's exit with a potential dark horse emerging in new polling. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. When the dollar's convertibility into gold ended in 1971, gold was fixed at $35 an ounce. Fast forward to today, and the US dollar has lost more than 85% of its purchasing power. Gold, on the other hand, has increased in value by over 12,000%. That's why major firms like Vanguard and BlackRock hold significant positions in gold. And that's why you may want to consider diversifying your savings with physical gold from birchgold Group. But it starts with education. Birchgold just announced their Learn and Earn Precious Metals event. This free online event rewards you for learning the basics of investing in precious metals. Sign up to get free silver on your next purchase and get even larger incentives as you go. The more you learn, the more you can earn. But you have to act now, as this special event only runs through April 30th. Text my initials MK to the number 989898 to join Birch Gold's Learn and Earn Precious Metals event by April 30th. Go now, because there's not much time. Text MK to 989-898 today, the state of peace negotiations with Iran as precarious as ever. President Trump on Monday telling Bloomberg the cease fire expires tomorrow evening and it is, quote, highly unlikely that it will be extended without a deal. The president telling pbs, quote, lots of bombs will start going off in the event a deal is not reached. Mr. Trump has repeatedly used bellicose language in an effort to scare the Iranians into making a deal. Vice President J.D. vance set to lead the talks, according to White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt. Jared Kushner and Steve Wykoff also slated to attend the meeting in Islamabad. They are set to depart sometime today, per cnn. The New York Times reporting earlier in the day Monday that chief negotiator for the Iranians, Mohammed Magir Gallibouf, would attend the talks if Vice President Vance was in attendance. However, late Monday, Galibouff indicating talks would not take place under current conditions, writing in an ex post, quote, trump by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table into a table of surrender. Galobuff writing, iran will not accept negotiations under threats, referring to the US Military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains in effect. CNN reporting yesterday that just 16 ships passed through the strait on Monday, with US Central Command directing 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port. So will the negotiations take place or won't they? Time will tell. The Israeli Defense Forces confirming on Sunday the authenticity of a showing an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon. In the photo, the statue of Jesus seen upside down at the base of a cross, feet extended in the air with a soldier smashing a sledgehammer into the statue's face. The photo, which began circulating online Sunday, sparking widespread backlash among many Catholics and Christians. On Sunday afternoon, the IDF confirming in an ex post that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Quote, the IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier's conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops. The post going on to promise the statue will be restored to its place. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issuing a statement, quote, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. It continues, quote, I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender. Head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, Cardinal Pierre Batista Pizabala, who was recently stopped by Israel from celebrating Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, releasing a statement describing the act as, quote, a grave affront to the Christian faith. The Times of Israel reporting the photo was captured in a Christian village of Debol near the Israeli border. The mayor of Debaul telling the New York Times the statue was in the garden of a private home in an area where residents were forced to flee about a month ago by Israel's offensive and to which they have not been allowed to return. Israel and Lebanon are currently observing a fragile 10 day ceasefire while working toward a more permanent security agreement amid the conflict involving the Iran backed terror group Hezbollah, which is heavily concentrated in Lebanon. The US Set to host the next round of talks this Thursday in Washington, D.C. fBI Director Kash Patel filing a defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick over a piece published Friday originally headlined, quote, kash Patel's erratic behavior could cost him his job. The article citing more than two dozen anonymous sources and zero on the record sources alleging Director Patel has demonstrated a pattern of unprofessional conduct, at times appearing visibly intoxicated in social settings in D.C. and during trips to Las Vegas. Some sources claiming early morning briefings were occasionally pushed back following late nights by Director Patel. In one incident, the Atlantic reports, quote, a request for breaching equipment normally used by SWAT and hostage rescue teams to quickly gain entry into buildings buildings was made last year because Patel had been unreachable behind locked doors, according to multiple people familiar with the request. The article also reporting on a viral moment from February. Director Patel captured on video celebrating with the US Men's Olympic hockey team after its gold medal win over Canada, seen drinking and spraying beer in a locker room celebration. Two sources telling the outlet the incident resulted in a phone call to the director from President Trump. However, the administration publicly backing Patel. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt responding to the report, quote, crime across the country has plummeted to the lowest level in more than 100 years and many high profile criminals have been put behind bars. Director Patel remains a critical player on the administration's law and order team. Director Patel addressing the allegations Sunday on Fox News.

[Kash Patel]

If the fake news mafia isn't hitting you personally with baseless information in Washington, D.C. then you're not doing your job. And it's louder than ever. This FBI has the most prolific year in crime reduction in the United states history. A 24% reduction in the homicide rate, a 20 point drop in opioid overdose deaths. We have found and identified 6,300 child victims. 6,300 kids get to go home to their kids. That's a 30% increase seizing enough fentanyl to kill 180 million Americans. That's a 31% increase.

[Megyn Kelly]

Tomorrow you will be dropping a lawsuit against the Atlantic magazine.

[Kash Patel]

Yes, yes, I will. For defamation. And because you know what, Maria? We have to fight back against the fake news. And if the fake news mafia wants to, you know, ring their drum bait as loud as they can, they're never going to stop me from completing the mission that president trump asked me to do, which is safeguarding America. And we're doing it better than ever before.

[Megyn Kelly]

At some point on the same day of that interview, the Atlantic editing its headline from. Patel's erratic behavior could cost him his job. To quote the FBI director is mia. So which is it? They don't say. And there's no explanation for the change nor any correction. The lawsuit filed yesterday morning in U. S. District court in Washington seeking $250 million in damages accuses the defendants of publishing what patel describes as knowingly false claims intended to damage his reputation and force him from office. Patel arguing the piece meets the high legal threshold of actual malice, which requires a public figure suing for defamation to prove that a publisher either knew a claim was false or acted with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity in publishing the story. From the complaint, quote, defendants published the article with actual malice despite being expressly warned hours before publication that the central allegations were categorically false, despite having abundant publicly available information contradicting those allegations, despite obvious and fatal defects in their own sourcing and adding. The Atlantic has a, quote, well documented, long running editorial animus toward director patel. The complaint alleges a request for more time to respond to the questions went without a response from the Atlantic. The Atlantic responding in a statement, quote, we stand by our reporting on Kash patel and we will vigorously defend the Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit. Coming up, an experimental MRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer now showing early, very promising results in a small trial and a post swalwell shakeup in California's governor race. With new polling revealing a potential dark horse contender, Here's a question for you. How many brokers does it take to insure your business? If you're like most business owners, the answer is too many. Multiple policies, multiple applications, and no clear view of how it all fits together. And when questions come up, it's not easy to get the clarity you need at all. No one's there for you. But super sure changes that. A one stop shop for all of your business insurance backed by a team that works with you year round. Not just at renewal. You are not a burden to them. They will take care of you. They want you to be happy. And if you've ever stared at a policy wondering what it actually covers, super sure has a fine print facts tool that translates the legal jargon into plain English so you know what's covered and what's not. It's not some shell game that they seem to be enjoying playing at your expense right now. You can go to super sure.com and get a full report on your current policies with no obligation. Find out if you're overinsured, underinsured, or somewhere in between. Go to super sure.com, one super agency, one powerful platform. All your policies in one place. Imagine it. Go to supersure.com Megan today. That's super sure.com Megan paid for by Super Sure Insurance Agency, LLC, a licensed insurance agency A sign of progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly forms of the disease, as an MRNA vaccine now shows promise. Fewer than 13% of patients survive more than five years after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer without a routine screening test to catch it early. The disease often is not detected until it has already spread, leaving patients with limited treatment options. Only 20% of cases are operable, per NBC News. And for those patients, an important breakthrough now being tested a personalized MRNA vaccine built from a patient's tumor to help the immune system target lingering cancer cells and destroy those that May form later. Dr. Vinod Balashandram, who is leading the trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center in New York City, describing the results to MBC Even at six years, you

[Kash Patel]

can find the immune cells made by the vaccine circulating in her blood at very high levels.

[Megyn Kelly]

What kind of difference could this make?

[Kash Patel]

Pancreatic cancer is the toughest, so our hope is if we can crack the toughest, hopefully we can learn how to crack the rest.

[Megyn Kelly]

A small phase one trial involving just 16 patients was recently conducted. Of those, eight responded to the treatment, with only two seeing their cancer come back. Experts cautioning the results are still early, based on a limited number of patients and not yet proof the treatment will work at larger scale. Phase 2 of the trial now underway, backed by vaccine manufacturers Genentech and BioNTech, Dr. Balachandran and his team now studying how the vaccine is working within the immune system to fight the disease. New polling since Democrat and former Congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out of the California gubernatorial race last week amid a wave of sexual misconduct allegations revealing a potential dark horse contender prior to Swalwell's career imploding. He had been routinely performing in the top three, along with Republicans Steve Helton and Chad Bianco. California's open primary system means the top two candidates on Election Day advanced to the general regardless of party. Former Biden HHS secretary Javier Becerra now surging in a slate of new polls. Political consulting firm Gudalunis Strategies, which backs Becerra, finding the former secretary up 11 points since a similar poll preceded preceding Swalwell's exit. The firm reporting Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton leads at 20%. Becerra tied for second with billionaire Tom Steyer, both at 15%. Sheriff Chad Bianco in third at 14% and former congresswoman Katie Porter bringing up the rear of the top tier.

[Commercial Narrator]

I feel like this is unnecessarily argumentative.

[Megyn Kelly]

What is your question? In fourth at 13%, the remainder of the field trailing in the single digits, polling firm Create has Becerra in fourth at 10%. That's up eight points from a month ago. A new poll from Emerson College out late last week finding Hilton leading the pack at 17, followed by Bianco, who along with Steyer is in this poll tied for second at 14%. Becerra and Katie Porter each tied below that at 10%. Outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom yet to endorse any candidates. But the New York Post now reporting the governor's allies are increasingly shifting their attention toward Becerra. CNN on Sunday asking Becerra what he believes is behind the surge.

[Kash Patel]

I think folks feel very deceived and voters want to see someone they can trust. It's a tough time in politics and I believe voters are looking for someone that they can trust. And I believe one thing that makes them have that trust is experience. And I think if I have something, it's experience.

[Megyn Kelly]

Riveting. Tom Steyer, who made his billions as a founder of a San Francisco based hedge fund, vastly outspending his opponents, booking more than $115 million in ads, according to the AP, nearly 30 times more than his nearest Democrat opponent. Porter placing in the middle of the pack in most polling. Still fighting as well with this compelling argument last week on ktla. I think this is a time for women to lead.

[Commercial Narrator]

I think this is a time for moms to lead.

[Megyn Kelly]

And in October, the New York Post reporting on resurfaced documents from Porter's 2013 divorce in which she was accused of dumping scalding hot mashed potatoes on her then husband's head. More like moms beating than leading each of the five aforementioned candidates Plus San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan set to take the stage tomorrow night in a debate focusing on the economy, public safety, housing and the state's future direction. Early voting begins May 5th, with the primary set for June 2nd, and that'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

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